Northwest Alabama Weather Alert: Lauderdale and Colbert Counties Under Severe Thunderstorm Watch Until Midnight
FLORENCE, ALABAMA – Residents in northwest Alabama are urged to stay alert as a Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect for Lauderdale and Colbert counties until midnight Friday, according to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center .
Storm Threat Across the Tennessee Valley
Forecasters expect storms to intensify through the evening hours before gradually weakening after midnight. The watch, issued at 4:45 p.m. Friday, includes Florence, Muscle Shoals, and nearby communities.
These storms carry the risk of:
- Damaging wind gusts capable of downing trees and power lines
- Dangerous lightning striking outdoor areas
- Heavy downpours reducing visibility and creating hazardous travel along U.S. 72 and I-65 corridors
Safety Guidance
Local officials are advising residents to secure loose outdoor items that could become airborne in high winds and to head indoors immediately when thunder is heard.
“Even if storms appear distant, lightning can strike several miles away. When thunder roars, go indoors,” emergency officials reminded Friday evening.
Scattered power outages are possible if strong winds bring down utility lines.
What’s Next
The severe threat should ease after midnight, but meteorologists warn that additional storm chances may return over the weekend. Residents are encouraged to keep monitoring weather alerts in case the watch is upgraded to a warning.
Do you live in Florence, Muscle Shoals, or surrounding areas of Lauderdale and Colbert counties? How are you preparing for the risk of damaging winds and power outages tonight? Share your thoughts, safety tips, or storm updates in the comments below and join the conversation with chicagomusicguide.com.